Panel OKs 2 percent raise for California legislators, officials

SACRAMENTO -- A citizens' commission has approved 2 percent cost-of-living salary increases for lawmakers and statewide officials, including the governor and attorney general.

The increase approved Friday is the second consecutive annual pay raise.

A year ago, the California Citizens Compensation Commission voted to give raises of about 5 percent.

That decision will increase the pay of rank-and-file lawmakers, which at $95,291 are already the highest in the nation. Legislators also are eligible for a $163 daily cost-of-living allowance, but do not get pensions.

During the recession, the commission cut lawmakers' pay by 18 percent and eliminated their state-owned vehicles. Now the state's finances are improving.

The commissioners are appointed by the governor, who currently is paid nearly $174,000 a year.